Torcular dural sinus malformations: a single-center case series and a review of literature

Torcular dural sinus malformations (tDSMs) are rare vascular pathologies with various anatomoclinical pictures and prognosis. We analyzed our case series and corroborated the complexity of this rare unit by a review of literature.

From 2003 to 2018, we treated four tDSMs patients. The evolution of three postnatally diagnosed cases of similar angioarchitecture contrasted with a fourth antenatally diagnosed case with significant torcular thrombosis. All patients were examined by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, CT angiography, and MRI angiography. Three patients underwent digital subtraction angiography with embolization of feeders. Unusual pathological images were depicted.

Early diagnosis along with embolization of feeders and lake could improve the outcome for tDSM patients with dural arteriovenous shunts. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation before endovascular treatment led to significant worsening of both clinical presentation and MRI picture. For patients who persist with hydrocephalus despite the endovascular approach, we suggest endoscopic third ventriculostomy as a first-line treatment option. Antenatally diagnosed patients with thrombosed lakes constitute a prognostically better group of patients. Spontaneous thrombosis and remodelation of the lake can, however, still leave neurological sequelae, as observed in our patient.